Escape to Europe (Day 2)

Join L’Officiel Singapore Deputy Editor on the second day of his three-day trip around Europe for a super exclusive preview of Bulgari’s new high perfumery collection for men.

In Escape to Europe (Day 1), I transited in Istanbul, Turkey – yeah, I didn't make it out of the airport, unfortunately, and only got to see the city from the sky as I made my way to the stunning (and scorching) city of Prague, Czech Republic. I toured the charming city in a vintage car (with the hilarious and equally vintage owner of the vehicle) and had a royal lunch with His Serene Highness Prince William Lobkowicz. Here, the adventure continues on board the Venice-Simplon Orient Express.

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Next morning on the Orient Express (it was so awesome falling asleep to the gentle rocking of the train), I found myself alone in the breakfast trolley – which was blissful, quite honestly! Everyone else was probably still asleep and/or hung over from the night before haha!

Three of my favourite things in one moment: 1) a scrumptious breakfast of breads and pastries (I can never have enough pain au chocolat); 2) mountainous scenery; and 3) a train ride through Europe.

After breakfast, the great unveiling happened: we got a super exclusive preview of Bulgari’s new Le Gemme collection dedicated to men.

Le Gemme Men is a high perfumery line that revisits the ancient history of the precious stones and perfume roads that the great conquerers and luxury nomads of Antiquity discovered during their travels and conquests. Watch this space for more coverage on what the brand terms an “olfactory big bang” when the line is launched officially next Spring. Meanwhile…

Venice calls! Ciao Venezia! That’s the Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia – the terminal railway station where everyone who wants to visit the Floating City disembarks. How did I get here in 40 hours?!

Bald-ception: when there’s a bald guy in shades in a speedboat in both the foreground and the background. But seriously, here I am getting ready to head to our accommodation, the Hotel Bauer Palazzo.

The glorious view of the San Marco Campanile – the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica – from the balcony of my hotel room. That evening, our dinner was hosted in the palace home of Luca Marzotto (from the family that used to own Valentino and now has a stake in Hugo Boss) and his beautiful wife Veronica. Once again, it was an informal evening of exquisite cuisine, great conversation and hearty laughter. I could live like this forever! Read the final chapter of my trip in Escape to Europe (Day 3)!